Life in the Colonies Chapter 4.5

Overview What class differences existed in colonial colonies? How did the Great Awakening affect colonial life? How did the colonist educate their children? How were colonies affected by the spread of these new ideas?

Colonial Society Most social classes enjoyed equality then their English counterparts. Although class distinction existed in North America Person’s birth and wealth determined their social status

The Gentry and Middle Class Gentry were the wealthy planter, merchants, ministers and successful lawyers. Below Gentry were the middle class, comprising ¾ of the colonial population Middle class were farmers who owned land, skilled craftspeople and tradespeople.

Women’s Work A wife took care of the household. She cooked, made clothes and took care of the children. Backcountry women worked alongside husband in the fields Single women might work as servants, nurses, others as midwives, and some took up a skill Some took up trades such as butchering, candlestick and shoe makers.

African Cultural Influences By mid 1700’s, African influences were seen in North America In the South, where whites were few, African cultures were strong. Example, children names, Quosh, Juba, or Cuff Gullah language a mix of West African and English blended into American languages.

Great Awakening Powerful Preachers such as Jonathan Edwards preached for young people to examine their lives and heed the teachings of the Bible. George Whitfield, 1739 preached the gospel, he drew large crowds and the movement spread.

Impact of the Great Awakening It aroused bitter debate. People began worshiping at home and by oneself. People would split off from original church. Caused more tolerance because of the growth of new churches.

Impact of Great Awakening Created a democratic feeling in colonial America. Teachings that encouraged a spirit of independence Challenge to authority If they can worship on their own, then they can govern themselves.

Education in the Colonies New England Colonies – public schools were created by taxes, allowed both rich and poor to get an education Middle Colonies – churches and individuals families set up private schools. Only wealthy families could educate their children Southern Colonies – Tutors were hired because schools were to far away. Some wealthy planters sent their children to England

Apprentice and Dame Schools Boys entering trade or craft served as apprentices Apprentices entered at 12 or 13 and would learn a trade from a master, the apprentice would not get paid. Dame Schools (New England), girls attended school where they were taught

Spread of Ideas Science spreads because of reason and logic Enlightenment - John Locke, gain knowledge by observing and learning

Benjamin Franklin The son of a poor soap and candle maker He learned from books and self taught math, literature and foreign languages At 17, created Poor Richards Almanac Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy and wise.

Trial of John Peter Zenger Growth of Colonial News placed editors at odds with leaders Zenger published the Weekly Journal Zenger criticized New York governor Placed on trial for libel Found innocent by jury First case of Freedom of Speech.